WAM - Emirates News Agency, 20 Dec 2010.

UAE today brought into force the additional protocol to the Safeguards agreement concluded between the Government of the United Arab Emirates and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Ambassador Hamad AlKaabi, UAE's Permanent Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, notified the Agency today that the constitutional and statutory requirements for entry into force of the protocol, which was signed in April 8th 2009, have been completed.

"Ratification of the Additional Protocol is a significant step for the UAE Government in meeting its commitments to maintain the highest standards of non-proliferation and complete operational transparency in its peaceful nuclear energy program, and consistent with UAE efforts and continued advocacy to strengthen the IAEA safeguards system and the nuclear non-proliferation regime. " Alkaabi Said.

" Bringing the Additional Protocol in force is an outcome of extensive and successful UAE Government efforts to develop the infrastructure necessary to implement the peaceful nuclear energy program under the framework of the UAE policy adopted in 2008 " He added.

The IAEA describes the safeguards systems as "a confidence-building measure, an early warning mechanism", in its work to ensure that nuclear programmes are not used for nuclear weapons purposes. Among other measures, the Additional Protocol establishes a procedure for snap inspections of nuclear facilities, and provides guidelines for allowing inspectors access to facilities and information.

The Ratification of the additional protocol in the UAE follows the completion of the legal and procedural arrangements to implement the obligations pursuant to additional protocol , which include the provision of periodic reports on relevant activities related to the use of nuclear material and sensitive nuclear technology , in addition to facilitate the access of IAEA inspectors to relevant sites and facilities. The obligations also include provisions of information related to export and import of sensitive nuclear materials, technology and dual use items.

IAEA maintains that the Additional Protocol is an essential tool to enable the Agency for the full verification of peaceful nature of nuclear programs in member states. The ratification of the UAE to the additional protocol brings the total number of countries with additional protocol in force to 104 countries.

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